Innholdsfortegnelse for 2025-11-12 i Star

South Africa’s manufacturing production rose slightly by 0.3% year-on-year in September, reflecting modest growth in an otherwise strained industrial landscape. According to data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday, this marked the first month of industrial growth, albeit very mild, following two consecutive months of decline. Stats SA said the motor vehicles, parts and accessories, and other transport equipment division recorded a 7.6% increase while the food and beverages division also expanded by 1.8%. StatsSA’s director of industry statistics, Nicolai Claassen, said five of the 10 manufacturing divisions reported positive growth rates over this period compared to the same period last year. However, on a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, which is critical for calculating quarterly GDP growth, Classen said manufacturing output declined by 0.5% in September, following increases…

South Africa is at a crucial point in deciding how electricity will be produced in the years to come. The government has placed growing emphasis on gas as a transitional source of power, bridging the gap between coal and a renewable energy future. These conversations are often highly technical and not easily accessible to the public. Yet, how energy is produced is a matter of fundamental public interest. It raises questions about whether the law is upheld, whether the environment is safeguarded, and what kind of energy future is being created. Richards Bay has now become a central site in this debate. Last month, the Supreme Court of Appeal set aside Eskom’s environmental authorisation for a large gas-fired power plant in Richards Bay. The court found that the process did…

The share price of Premier Group surged 7.5% on Tuesday after it reported strong half-year earnings and outlined the path ahead with the acquisition of food maker RFG Holdings. The fast-moving consumer goods company behind brands such as Blue Ribbon, Snowflake, and Iwisa reported revenue up 6.4% to R10.3 billion in the six months to September 30. The share traded at R171.71 cents on the JSE on Tuesday morning, bringing the price growth to an equally robust 51.9% this year. A once-off cash dividend of 159 cents a share was declared - the final dividend will be adjusted downwards to maintain the group 30% of diluted HEPS payout ratio. Headline earnings a share increased 27.9% to 560 cents. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) was up 13.6% to…

Short term insurer Santam’s share price surged over 5% on Tuesday afternoon after the release of an operational update for the nine months to September 30 showing the group continues to deliver a strong performance since the end of June this year. Results for the period exceeded the longer-term targets for all key financial performance indicators, the directors reported. Highlights include double-digit growth in gross written and net earned premiums, an underwriting margin above the upper end of the 5% to 10% target range and annualised return on capital in excess of 30%, Santam’s directors said. Net income growth was in line with the first half. The share price was trading 5.19% higher at R438.81 late in the afternoon. The conventional insurance business grew net earned premium growth by 16%,…

This season of Selling Sunset has left fans scratching their heads. The drama, cattiness and tension seem to have taken over the show, leaving many to wonder if the chaos is even real or just another scripted stunt. Either way, it’s a lot to sit through. For those following Chrishell Stause’s journey, the change in her persona has not gone unnoticed. Many fans are saying the once-relatable realtor has become a “mean girl”, letting clout get the better of her. And now, after a tumultuous season, she’s officially stepping away. In an interview with Bustle, published recently, Stause opened up about her decision. “I’ve vacillated back and forth with this decision in the past,” she said. “I have to be honest, having come from nothing, it’s really hard to…

Mounting pressure is being placed on the Gauteng Department of Health to act against Mafoko Security Patrols, a company contracted to guard several provincial hospitals, amid allegations that it has been deducting provident fund contributions from workers’ wages without paying them into the Private Security Sector Provident Fund (PSSPF). The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has expressed outrage over court findings confirming that Mafoko deliberately withheld workers’ provident fund contributions. “This is not a mistake. It is a deliberate act of theft and contempt for the law, a corporate crime committed against some of the most vulnerable and exploited workers in our country,” Vavi said. He explained that for years, thousands of Mafoko security guards had deductions taken from their wages intended for retirement,…

The attempted murder case against controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and his co-accused has been transferred from the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court to the High Court in Johannesburg for trial. Yesterday Matlala, his wife Tsakani Matlala, Tiego Floyd Mabusela, Musa Kekana, and Nthabiseng Nzima appeared briefly before the Alexandra Magistrates Court. The matter was transferred to the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg after the State successfully managed to centralise the various cases against the accused under one jurisdiction. Their next appearance is set for January 29, 2026, at the High Court in Johannesburg. Matlala and his co-accused face 11 counts, including attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. His cases stem from the alleged botched hit on his former girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, in October 2023,…

Investigators are working to determine what caused the helicopter crash that claimed the life of beloved chef and TV host Mynie Steffens on a farm outside Patensie on Monday morning. The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) launched a probe after confirming that a Robinson R22 helicopter, registration ZS-DLF, went down while Steffens was conducting a pest control flight on Monday morning. Steffens was 43. The AIID said the helicopter struck power lines before crashing. Steffens, who was the only person on board, died at the scene. The aircraft was severely damaged on impact. “Information that is at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed,” the AIID said. “The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact…

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is currently responding to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly on matters related to his delegated responsibilities, focusing on government efforts to drive inclusive economic growth, alleviate poverty, reduce the cost of living, and build a capable state. Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President, Keith Khoza, said the engagement forms part of the constitutional mandate for Cabinet members to account to Parliament on the exercise of their powers and performance. “The Deputy President will apprise Members of Parliament about Government’s interventions on land redistribution programmes and ongoing efforts to achieve transformation regarding Land Reform and Rural Development.” Khoza added that, as Chairperson of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Clearing House Mechanism, Mashatile will also brief Members of Parliament on the recently adopted Terms…

In a groundbreaking judgment regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations in the country’s prisons, the Equality Court sitting in Johannesburg ruled that a transgender inmate has the legal right for the State to provide her with hormonal treatment. Nthabiseng Mokoena, a transgender prisoner serving a life sentence at Johannesburg’s “Sun City” Prison, scored a legal victory after she earlier turned to court in a bid to receive gender-affirming care, in the form of hormone replacement therapy. Judge Denise Fisher found that the failure to provide gender-affirming health care to the transgender inmate constitutes unfair discrimination and harassment. This also includes the refusal by correctional services to allow Mokoena to wear feminising clothing, accessories, cosmetics and toiletries, as well as the department’s failure to use her chosen pronouns. Mokoena approached the…

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has revealed that more than 4.4 million South Africans aged 16 and older do not yet have identity documents. The disclosure comes in response to a parliamentary question from EFF MP Nonhlanhla Mkhonto, who asked for the total number of South Africans without IDs, the demographic makeup of these individuals, the plans the department has to address the challenge, and the timeframe for these interventions. According to Schreiber, the National Population Register shows that “there are a total of 4 432 923 South Africans who are 16 years and above who have not been issued with either a green ID book or smart ID card”. “This figure applies to all demographics within South Africa,” he added. To address the issue, the minister highlighted the department’s…

Some employers in South Africa have a concerning tendency to deduct employees’ pension contributions without transferring the funds to the pension fund account. This is against the law and unethical. When the sun sets, workers depend on this hard-earned money to get by. A few years ago, the ANC came under fire for failing to make contributions to workers’ pension funds. The sheer scale of this problem is deeply troubling. As of March 31, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority reported that over 15 500 employers were in contravention of the Pension Funds Act, with total arrears estimated at about R7.29 billion. ​Another ongoing concern involves calls for the Gauteng Health Department to sanction Mafoko Security Patrols. According to reports, this hospital security company has not paid the provident funds that…

If there was any tiny doubt about how difficult it is to win in India, then a quick glance at the Proteas’ record over the past nine Tests here on the bustling subcontinent serves as a cold reminder. Seven defeats, a single victory and one match abandoned due to an unseasonal Bengaluru monsoon since 2010. “It's probably one of the toughest tours, if not the toughest tour in the Proteas calendar,” experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj admitted on Tuesday. There is something different about this upcoming two-match series, which starts at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Friday. Unlike the last visit here in 2019, when the team was in disarray after a wretched World Cup campaign, held together by a part-time management staff, and the entire game in a complete flux back…

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday said next year's World Cup would be his last as he winds down one of the all-time great careers. The 40-year-old forward, with more than 950 club and international goals, also said he would retire from football in “one or two years”. “Definitely, yes,” he told a Saudi forum, via video link, when asked if 2026 would be his final World Cup. “"I’m gonna be 41-years old and I think it will be the moment.” Ronaldo, who began a lucrative stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023, also elaborated on comments last week when he said he would retire “soon”. “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I'll still be at the game,” he said. The five-time Ballon…

in nearly a year, but constraints remain South Africa’s official unemployment rate fell to 31.9% in the third quarter of 2025, the lowest level in nearly a year, as 248 000 more people found work between July and September. This jobless rate the lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2024, falling from 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025, marking the first decline this year. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) on Tuesday reported that the number of employed persons increased to 17.1 million, while the number of unemployed persons decreased by 360 000 to eight million between the second and third quarters of the year. As a result, the overall labour force shrank slightly by 112 000 (0.4%), while the number of discouraged work-seekers…

The launch of Globba, a groundbreaking cross-border payments platform powered by Mastercard Move and integrated into FNB and RMB Private Banking apps, has set a new benchmark for digital financial connectivity across Africa. The collaboration between FNB and Mastercard aims to simplify, secure, and speed up the way South Africans send money abroad—bridging both local and international economies. The new solution, unveiled in Johannesburg on Tuesday, supports transfers to more than 120 countries, reaching destinations via bank accounts, mobile wallets, or cash pickup locations. It forms part of FNB’s wider strategy to enhance digital inclusion for underbanked and underserved communities while enabling seamless cross-border financial flows across key corridors like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, and Ghana. Following its successful rollout in South Africa, the partners plan to expand Globba across FNB’s…

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, a significant study titled “South Africa’s Energy Sector Investment Requirements to Achieve Energy Security and Net Zero Goals by 2050” was released by the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the National Planning Commission, the Presidential Climate Commission, and National Treasury’s Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development programme. Taken together, the work provides a quantified pathway to a secure, least-cost electricity system that can be financed at scale if policy aligns with timely project execution. The modelling sets out three pathways to 2050 and costs them end to end, including annual capital requirements, operating costs, and grid expansion. It is not a generation-only view. The authors pair the power-system results with economy-wide assessments using a computable general equilibrium model and a micro-study of Mpumalanga, where…

Stor-Age, the JSE-listed self-storage focused REIT increased its interim dividend by 4.5%, locking in a decade of consistently strong operational and financial performance and growth in its portfolio of properties. The interim dividend came to 59.74 cents per share, this after distributable income increased by 4.5% to 66.37 cents a share, year-on-year. The results mark the ten years since Stor-Age listed on the JSE in November 2015, where the company became the first self-storage REIT to be listed on an emerging market exchange globally, and the first, and still only, of the real estate “alternatives” to be listed on the local stock exchange. During the interim period, rental income was up 8.7%, same-store occupancy up by 3 500 square metres, and net investment property value increased by 6.4% to R12.2…

Trevor Noah has received a nomination for Best Audio Book, Narration and Storytelling Recording for his reading of his illustrated fable, Into the Uncut Grass, at the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards. The nominations were announced on Friday, and this marks another milestone in Noah’s evolving creative journey. Known globally as a comedian, author and television host, Noah continues to expand his storytelling across different mediums. In this category, he joins a select group of artists whose works showcase exceptional narration and the power of voice-driven storytelling. Into the Uncut Grass follows the success of Noah’s acclaimed memoir Born a Crime, which explored his experiences growing up in South Africa as the son of a black mother and a white father during and after apartheid. While Born a Crime offered…

After two suspected killers were extradited from the Kingdom of Eswatini yesterday, Tony Forbes, the father of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who was killed along with his friend Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane, expressed relief. Brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande, who were arrested in Mbabane in February, were handed over to South African authorities after months of legal proceedings in the neighbouring kingdom. The brothers landed at King Shaka International Airport in Durban yesterday morning, in a high-risk operation led by Interpol South Africa and supported by tactical members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The operation followed a lengthy extradition process after the pair initially opposed being sent back to South Africa, claiming their safety would be at risk. Speaking to broadcaster eNCA, Tony Forbes said he was relieved that…

Johannesburg motorists will face road closures on Saturday as Gauteng authorities launch joint traffic operations ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), together with the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), South Africa Police Service and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), said the operation will lead to temporary road closures, lane restrictions and intermittent disruptions between 09h00 and 13h00. According to the joint statement, the operation will focus on high-security routes, including major national highways and key urban roads. Affected routes include the N1, M1, and N12, as well as Rivonia Road, Grayston Drive, Oxford Road, Jan Smuts Avenue, Winnie Mandela Drive, Hendrick Potgieter Road, Rand Show Road, Nasrec Road, and the Golden Highway. Motorists are urged to plan and make use of alternative routes. In…

The City of Tshwane has embarked on a programme to replace thousands of faulty prepaid water meters in Olievenhoutbosch with conventional ones following widespread failures due to faulty batteries, defective electronics, and vandalism. The meters, installed in the early 2000s, have been plagued by problems, which resulted in water losses and a decline in revenue for the city. Nearly 11 200 meters are set to be replaced with conventional ones, restoring accurate billing, improving service reliability, and strengthening the city’s financial position. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Utility Services, Frans Boshielo, said efforts to replace faulty meters are part of the city's broader initiative to enhance water service delivery and bolster municipal revenue management. He highlighted that the original intention behind installing prepaid water meters in the early 2000s…

The City of Ekurhuleni has suspended the EMPD deputy chief, Brig. Julius Mkhwanazi, following an internal audit that found evidence of possible misconduct. The suspension, effective November 11, is described as an administrative step to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process. In a statement, the city officials stressed that it does not amount to a finding of guilt, and formal disciplinary proceedings will follow. City Manager Kagiso Lerutla said the decision comes amid serious revelations emerging from the Madlanga Commission into alleged corruption and political interference in South Africa’s criminal justice system. “The testimony emerging from the Madlanga Commission is both shocking and deeply concerning. It points to systemic issues that this administration will not tolerate. We are unequivocally committed to clean governance, accountability, andrestoring public trust in our…

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed that it removed Solidarity’s controversial campaign banners from city roads, citing non-compliance with municipal advertising regulations. Speaking on 702, JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the city has strict bylaws regulating outdoor advertising, and anyone wishing to put up signage must first apply through the Department of Development Planning’s Outdoor Advertising unit “With the information that we do have at the present moment, there is that the signage was not applied for through the City of Johannesburg, and also the City of Johannesburg has the prerogative to decide what kind of messages that should be put up on whatever public space that is with the City of Johannesburg, and that’s the reason why the signage was removed. “There was no application, and also…

A Gqeberha man who promised investors a slice of a luxury golf estate but instead pocketed their money has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Gregory Gavin Ferguson, 51, was convicted of large-scale commercial fraud by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday. Between August 2005 and February 2011, Ferguson served as a co-director of Cob Creek Estate (Pty) Ltd, a company established to develop a residential golf estate at Kabeljous River in Jeffreys Bay. As the sole signatory with exclusive access to the company’s bank account, he controlled all financial transactions. But without the knowledge of his two fellow directors, Ferguson solicited funds from investors, promising ownership shares in the estate. The development never happened. Instead, R4.4 million of investor funds were diverted for personal use and…

Award-winning author and medical doctor Kopano Matlwa has returned to the literary scene with Bosadi, a novel that confronts the unseen and unspoken pain of being a woman in a world that often refuses to see it. Through the intertwined lives of two women, Matlwa once again proves her gift for illuminating the private battles fought in the name of survival and dignity. Matlwa is no stranger to tackling difficult questions. Her debut novel, Coconut, which won the 2006/2007 European Union Literary Award, became a modern classic, offering a piercing look at identity and race in post-apartheid South Africa. She followed it with Spilt Milk and Period Pain, both of which interrogated the contradictions of the Born Free generation while examining race, class and the lingering weight of colonisation. In…

Although access to higher education has improved, sub-Saharan Africa still has the lowest enrollment rate globally, with only 9-10% compared to the global average of over 40%. Even though we’ve come a long way, we still lag behind. Women make up 60% of the youth who are not enrolled in school, working, or receiving training. Men are much more likely to own a well-established, growth-oriented company, even though women’s involvement in early-stage and informal entrepreneurship throughout SSA now equals or even surpasses that of men. Young women face significant additional barriers when attempting to access education or enter the labour market. Between 8 million and 11 million African youth will enter the labour market every year in the coming decades. Yet, only about 3 million new formal wage jobs are…

From the gravel grounds to the international arena, Bafana Bafana midfielder Masindi Nemtajela has finally seen his lifelong dream come true after earning his first-ever national team call-up. South Africa are set to face neighbours Zambia in an international friendly this Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (kick-off 6pm). It will mark Hugo Broos and his men’s first outing since securing qualification for next year’s Fifa World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada. This will also be their only match after the Safa’s attempts to arrange a friendly against world champions Argentina fell through. With a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the horizon in Morocco — set to kick off towards the end of next month — the team could have benefited from more…

Springbok wing Edwill van der Merwe is bracing for a high-tempo, unpredictable clash when South Africa face Italy in Turin on Saturday, describing the Italians as a team whose attacking structure and flair mirror that of Argentina – no doubt due to coach Gonzalo Quesada’s influence. The Italians have impressed this season with a blend of power and panache, qualities that were in evidence in their shock come-from-behind 26-19 victory over Australia at the weekend. According to Van der Merwe, the Boks are preparing for a contest that will demand defensive organisation and the typical Springbok physical edge. “They are big, physical guys so we’re expecting a physical contest, which is what we pride ourselves on as well as South Africans,” said Van der Merwe. “They were very good on…

As the Betway Premiership campaign approaches its halfway mark, the lower half of the table has already produced a few surprises. With fixtures coming thick and fast, the battle to avoid slipping into an early relegation fight will resume in full force once league action returns after the international break. Although there’s still time for struggling teams to recover, history shows that most relegated sides often realise too late just how costly a poor start can be — something these teams must avoid at all costs. Here’s a look at the five clubs hovering near the bottom, with an urgent need to find solutions to stay afloat. Marumo Gallants | 12th Alexandre Lafitte’s side have experienced an inconsistent start to the season and currently sit just four points clear of…

Chocolate has always occupied a special place in our lives. It is comfort after a long day, and the small indulgence we allow ourselves when we need it most. But in today’s marketplace, chocolate is becoming something more. It is also a test case for how consumer psychology is reshaping industries, and it may hold one of the sweetest opportunities for South Africa’s economy. Globally, shoppers are no longer satisfied with taste alone. Rather, they are increasingly seeking products that align with their values: sustainable, ethically sourced, healthier, or more artisanal. This is not just a lifestyle trend but a psychological shift. Research endorsed by the World Economic Forum shows that buying ‘greener’ goods is positively correlated with subjective wellbeing. In other words, consumers do not just enjoy the product…

Since the late 1990s, South Africa has been participant in the global economic system. We have built a formal economy that is, in many sectors, efficient and globally competitive. Yet, this very engine of our prosperity is failing. It is constrained, unable to expand at a rate that reverses our chronic unemployment and stubborn poverty. Frankly, the formal economy is failing the majority of our populace. Millions find themselves marginalised—trapped in the informal economy, underemployed, or entirely without work, devoid of a sustainable income. Deep poverty remains the stark reality for too many. The heart of the problem is saturation. Our economic environment offers little room for organic growth. It is dominated by large industrial monopolies that control the market, while below them, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operate…

PayInc, formerly BankservAfrica, on Tuesday announced the conclusion of a landmark transaction that positions the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) as a 50% shareholder, alongside leading commercial banks. With all transaction steps now complete, the SARB joins Absa, Access Bank, African Bank, Capitec, Citibank SA, FirstRand, Investec, Nedbank and Standard Bank as direct shareholders. The transaction establishes PayInc as the National Payments Utility (NPU) and is designed to accelerate the modernisation of the national payments system. The SARB’s equity subscription establishes PayInc as a national Payments Utility, jointly owned by the central bank and South Africa’s commercial banks. This unique public–private partnership provides the foundation for building a digital payments ecosystem that is more secure, efficient, and inclusive – enabling greater economic participation for all South Africans. “This moment reflects…

Mantengu, formerly Mantengu Mining, said Tuesday that its 70% subsidiary, Blue Ridge Platinum, had entered into a life of mine agreement with Monteagle International. Mantengu’s share price nudged up 4.96% to 66 cents on the JSE Tuesday afternoon, although the share price has fallen from 79 cents a year ago. The agreement, entitled “Chrome Concentrate Supply Agreement,” was entered into on November 5, 2025, and sees Blue Ridge, which operates near Groblersdal, Limpopo, agreeing to deliver to Monteagle, who in turn has agreed to purchase a minimum of 300 000 dry metric tons at a rate of 10 000 dry metric tons per month. The product will be a 40% - 42% chrome concentrate and will be sold on a CIF (cost, insurance and freight) basis, using the published market…

The question of whether disclosing another person’s HIV status publicly constitutes either defamation or breach of privacy came under the judicial spotlight, with a court declaring they are independent and distinct actions that must be pleaded separately. This comes after a member of the Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (Numsa), during a public meeting, mentioned that one of its members is HIV-positive. The woman, only identified as K, was emotionally traumatised by this. She instituted a damages claim against the union and its member, who had divulged her status, claiming that his disclosure was defamatory of her. The Bloemfontein High Court earlier ruled in her favour and ordered Numsa to pay her R100 000 in damages. Numsa subsequently appealed the finding, and the High Court found in its…

Xolani Khumalo may have stepped away from the spotlight of his television show combating drug trafficking, but his determination to eradicate the scourge has not dimmed. When several children fell ill after allegedly consuming drug-laced baked goods sold during a service in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, Khumalo stepped in and continued with his activism. The shocking incident prompted ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate to apprehend the alleged dealer before handing him over to police. Khumalo said the ordeal unfolded on November 8 while ActionSA members were repairing a large pothole in Ward 109, Etwatwa, as part of their by-election campaign. The church where the incident occurred was adjacent to their work site when congregants rushed to call for help. “Members of the congregation approached us and reported strange behaviour among some of the…

The Ad Hoc Committee of Parliament investigating allegations of infiltration within South Africa’s criminal justice system expressed growing frustration with National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi during a tense session yesterday. Batohi’s refusal to divulge the name of a prosecutor alleged to be involved in organised criminality has left committee members threatening to suspend their work altogether. The inquiry, which is probing the reported “capture” of the justice system by criminal syndicates, has gained momentum following the suspension of South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andrew Chauke. The issue was front and center amid allegations that officials within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have been compromised. At the Committee, Batohi was pressed to identify the prosecutor implicated in intelligence reports of misconduct. In response, Batohi said:…

Nkosana Makate, the inventor behind Vodacom’s iconic “Please Call Me” service, remains unfazed by recent claims from Black Rock Mining asserting entitlement to 40% of his multimillion-rand settlement with Vodacom. Black Rock Mining, however, had previously withdrawn its claim in 2024 and maintains that it never funded Makate’s legal battles. Speaking to IOL yesterday, Makate expressed his surprise at the renewed media claims. “I have not received any summons nor any indication that they will approach the courts after they had dropped their claim from the High Court last year,” he told the publication. “I’m not bothered by these assertions, and I’m unsure why the company would now claim entitlement when it had already given up in court. This is nothing but extortion” He added that his attorneys would communicate…

The Border Management Authority (BMA) and its partners yesterday hosted a major anti-corruption awareness campaign at the Beitbridge port of entry in Musina, as part of efforts to clamp down on graft and illicit activities at the country’s busiest land border. The campaign, organised under the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum (BMIACF), brings together the BMA, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Correctional Services. The BMIACF serves as a collaborative platform for government, law enforcement, civil society and the private sector to tackle systemic corruption in border and immigration management. In a novel approach, inmates convicted of corruption-related offences shared their personal testimonies at the event. Organisers say the aim is to use real-life experiences to raise awareness and promote a…

The Film and Publications Board (FPB) has noted with concern a video clip circulating on several social media platforms which depicts two individuals engaging in sexual conduct. The trending video which has been shared multiple times reportedly depicts a church pastor and a congregant engaged in a sexual act. In a statement, the FPB said: “Any person who distributes such a private sexual video in any medium, including the internet and social media, shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a fine of up to R300 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding four years, or to both a fine and such imprisonment.” The Board reminded the public of the provisions of the law. “We wish to remind members of the public that in…

What Have You Done? Nicole Trope Narrated by Taryn Ryan Hechette UK – Bookouture In What Have You Done?, Nicole Trope expertly navigates the dark waters of trauma, manipulation, and the fragility of memory. This psychological thriller, masterfully narrated by Taryn Ryan, takes listeners on an unsettling journey through disturbing emotions and psychological complexities. Released last month by Hachette UK – Bookouture, the nearly nine-hour audiobook immersed me in a tense and gripping world where nothing was quite as it seemed. The story opens with a striking image: two stretchers being carted away from the Cordell home, now stained with blood and tragedy. The question, “What have you done, Juliet?” is posed immediately, thrusting the audience into a maelstrom of confusion and horror. Juliet is a broken individual, shaped and…

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and smart technologies is transforming the way we work. Rather than replacing people, however, these advances are redefining what human value looks like in the workplace. Routine and repetitive tasks are giving way to roles that demand creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Work itself is becoming more flexible and connected, as digital tools enable collaboration across borders and industries. For people to thrive in this new world of work, education systems and businesses must evolve. Early exposure to technology, continuous learning, and focused upskilling will be essential to ensure that today’s youth and tomorrow’s workforce are equipped to succeed in a digital economy, where human imagination remains our greatest advantage. From routine to real value Automation is taking over many repetitive, physical,…

Kaizer Chiefs’ promising start to the season is set to face a stern test as they approach what could be the most challenging phase of their 2025/26 campaign so far. Amakhosi are gearing up for a crucial phase of their CAF Confederation Cup campaign, starting with a group-stage clash in Egypt against Al Masry later this month. The Soweto giants booked their place in the group stage after navigating the second preliminary round, securing a 3-1 second-leg victory over Democratic Republic of Congo side AS Simba. Their strong aggregate performance over the two legs confirmed their progression to this stage. This will be Chiefs’ first continental group stage since their 2021 CAF Champions League campaign, where they reached the final but lost 3-0 to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. While they…

There are victories, and then there are proofs. Saturday night in Paris, after Lood de Jager’s red card left the Springboks with 14 men and a mountain to climb, the world champions delivered the latter. This wasn’t a statement win; it was a cultural exposé, a reminder that modern Springbok rugby runs on something deeper than systems, big bodies, flair or a dominant pack. It runs on mentality. A red card is the ultimate stress test for any international team in rugby. It strips away comfort and exposes the real stuff underneath: clarity, composure, discipline, unity. When De Jager walked off, the Springboks didn’t stagger. They recalibrated. The first sign of their ethos arrived at half-time, when Siya Kolisi, during the occasion of his 100th Test in the green and…